Things to expect this summer

Lawrence MessinaAssociated Press

June 29, 2013

Summer, 2013, is now one week old. The summer months have always been busy and exciting for me. There are so many things to do that I enjoy.

The unusual thing happening in West Virginia this year is that we are having a big birthday. We were admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, as the 35th state. It is a Sesquicentennial Celebration in one of the most beautiful states anyone could ever imagine. It is a favorite place for tourists all year long. The state is known for its unmatched beauty and an abundance of natural resources. The ideal place to live and work.

Kitty and I attended a beautiful outdoor wedding on Saturday, June 15, between two talented, well-educated young professionals. The bride, who was stunningly beautiful, is named Stacy. We will call the groom, Greg, an athletic handsome man if ever there was one. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were also very attractive.

We will be involved in a Global Gathering of the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana this summer. At the same time The Church of the Nazarene will have its Quadrennial in Indianapolis. The Southern Baptists earlier completed their annual meeting in Houston, TX.

What can we do during the summer months? Here is my short list. You may add many things to it.

1. Vacation with the family. Family reunions. Stay connected with your family.

2. Youth camps of all kinds for children of all ages – day camps, stay at home for lodging and away-from-home camps.

3. There are also sports camps, music camps, canoeing camps, swimming camps, nature camps, band camps, and science camps – all kinds of camps. I was a director and speaker for youth camps in numerous states for many years.

4. Summer school for every grade on through the highest degrees offered.

5. County and statewide fairs and celebrations.

6. Traveling as a family in the United States, or wherever you live, and throughout the world.

7. Get in lots of walking and good sunshine. Don’t burn to a crisp for that is not healthy to do.

8. Learn to do new things like swimming, tennis, golf, gardening, taking care of flowers, shrubs, trees and birds. Blue birds, of the beautiful blue feathers and orange breast.

9. Become a reader of good books – not junk, but good literature. Check with some of the major publishers for their finest books for any member of the family – like Warner Press, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Zondervan Publishing, Moody Press, Fame Publishing, Baker Publishing, Crossway Books, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Multnomah Press, Regnery Publishing and many other publishers of superb books. Read the best.

10. Help your children and grandchildren become involved in church camps and other great camps like 4-H camps and Scout Camps. Many will travel to other countries in missions camps.

Recently, I witnessed the baptism of Dick Coble, who met the minister administering this church ordinance when they were 12 years old 70 years ago in a 4-H Camp experience.

This summer build lasting friendships with your neighbors, camp friends, fellow church members, those you meet at conventions and stay in touch with each other over the years to come. Improve your health by proper nutrition, adequate exercise, sleep 8-10 hours per night, and nourish your mind.

The Biblical book, Ecclesiastes, commonly ascribed to Solomon, in chapter three tells us there is a time for most things of importance. It begins, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” (1:1). Read that entire chapter and book carefully and it will add the possibility of strength, knowledge and wisdom to your life. May this summer be an invigorating and life-changing creative time for you.